Varty Lake Fishing near Sharpton/Glenvale, Ontario

• Overview

  Varty Lake is a Lennox and Addington County water, in Ontario. Height above sea level is 139 metres. The water covers around 5.99 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. At about 19 km of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Few waters listed in Lennox and Addington County are bigger. For supplies, Sharpton/Glenvale is 17 km out. It is 32 km to Kingston, the nearest city. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Varty Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Open biodiversity records for Lennox and Addington County list pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Varty Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 20°C and January near -9°C on the long-run figures. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Varty Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A campsite lies 1.1 km away for anyone staying over. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Camden Lake, 4.9 km away. Rules at Varty Lake are worth checking on the day.